After returning from the Red Storm Soccer Camp at Dixie State University in St. George, both Virgin Valley High School head soccer coaches said their respective programs benefited greatly from last week’s camp.

Both the VVHS boys and girls team participated in the four-day camp along with schools from four states – Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Idaho.

In addition to games including an all-start contest, teams received individual skills training by DSU coaches. Players attended a college-recruiting seminar while a coaches forum was also held.

“Overall, it was a very good experience,” VVHS boys head coach Mike Pletzke said. “We learned a lot about how we want to move forward. It also gave us a vision of our future style of play and provided invaluable team chemistry.”

The VVHS boys team, which brought 14 players, played five games at the camp going 4-1. After dropping their first game to Faith Lutheran, 1-0, the Bulldogs bounced back to Chino Valley, AZ, 4-1, Preston, Idaho, 5-0, and Moapa Valley, 4-0, before ending camp with a 1-0 win over Faith Lutheran Thursday.

The boys had four players selected who participated in Wednesday night’s all-star game – Gabe Medina, Moises Medina, Geysson Murillo and Sergio Pacheco.

During the course of the camp, Gabe Medina, a senior to be at VVHS, verbally committed to play for DSU starting in the fall of 2015.

“We will continue to attend this camp as our relationship with Dixie State is strong,” Pletzke said. “It also gives our players valuable exposure and experience.”

The VVHS girls, which had 15 players attend, played four contests during the week going 2-2. The Lady Soccer Dogs defeated Preston Idaho, 2-0, and Faith Lutheran, 2-1, before dropping games to Dixie, 4-0, and a Utah County combined team, 5-1.

“It was a great experience for our girls,” VVHS girls head coach Bob Snell said. “Not only did they learn a lot from the Dixie State coaches, it gave our kids a chance to bond. We had seven freshmen attend camp and they got a chance to learn how to play with the older kids.”

Two girls – Abbie Barnum and Josilynn Lara – played in the all-star game. Emma Dodenbier was also selected to play but sat out due to an injury.

“I liked the way our kids competed during the week,” Snell said. “I was impressed with our freshmen. They are going to push some of the older kids for spots on the varsity.”

Both Virgin Valley coaches plan on returning to the Red Storm Soccer Camp next year.

“This camp gives players the chance to be seen by a college coach,” Pletzke said.”We will continue to attend on a yearly basis.”

Besides the players, coaches also benefit from the camp.

“It’s great to sit down and talk soccer with the other coaches,” Snell said. “You never stop learning. We’ve had our eyes opened to a new style of play we plan on implementing next month.”

The first official day of tryouts/practice for soccer will be Aug. 16. Both VVHS teams will open the season at the annual Mesquite Cup Aug. 29-30 at the Mesquite Sports and Events Complex.